E-cigarette company settles for $20M

Harris County has reached a $20 million settlement of its lawsuit against e-cigarette manufacturer Juul Labs after arguing the company deceptively marketed its products to children, the county attorney’s office announced Wednesday.

The settlement is part of a global settlement resolving multiple cases brought by school districts, cities and counties.

Harris County Commissioners Court will decide the distribution of the settlement funds.

“I’m proud of this outcome settling our lawsuit against Juul. We’re bringing real money to the county to ensure we’re protecting our youth from e-cigarette use,” County Attorney Christian Menefee said. “This case was always about reducing youth nicotine addiction in our communities. I want kids across Harris County to go on to live long, healthy lives.”

In December, the company put out a statement addressing the global resolution of the litigation.

“These settlements represent a major step toward strengthening Juul Labs’ operations and securing the company’s path forward to fulfill its mission to transition adult smokers away from combustible cigarettes while combating underage use,” the company spokesperson said. “Over the past year, Juul Labs also has settled with 37 states and territories and we remain in ongoing discussions with other key stakeholders to resolve the remaining litigation.”

In 2019, H-E-B stopped selling e-cigarettes, citing “the unknown health implications of vaping.” Walmart also discontinued selling e-cigarette products the same year. Harris County filed suit against Juul in 2021.

Last year, the city of Houston added e-cigarettes to its existing ban on tobacco smoking in enclosed public places and seating areas and within 25 feet of any building entrance.